15 Secret Santa Gifts That Don’t Suck
The season of joy is upon us, and we all need as much holiday magic as the world can provide right now. Whether you’re an avid Christmas fanatic or just happy to have a few days off from work, this series will help you choose the perfect gifts, playlists, meals and activities to make this the best Christmas ever .
Let’s face it: exchanging secret Santas can be a minefield of disappointing and forgettable gifts. First, there’s the price cap to deal with—I’ve been on gift exchanges where the price stayed under $20, but some are approaching the $50 range. Prices aside, it’s hard to shop for someone when you know the gift will be opened in front of all your friends, family, or co-workers at some holiday party. What’s the best way to win at Secret Santa without breaking the bank or breaking the rules?
The point of any gift exchange is to receive something unusual, but convincingly thoughtful. I’ve put together some ideas for crowd-pleasing gifts that are both inexpensive and hopefully a little useful. Whether you’re shopping for a co-worker you barely know or a friend you know too well, here are the best gifts to help you fall in love with Secret Santa this year.
Unusual technical gadgets
When in doubt, choose something practical and fun.
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LED cap with Bluetooth . This is a great option for gift exchanges, perfect for music lovers, cold weather lovers and satisfies the need for something unique. I mean, I’d be shocked if anyone owned one of these on their own accord. Get one for $19.99 .
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Portable charger (with nice design) . Keep your devices charged with a functional and fun charger. A good charger should cost between $20 and $25, like this $21.99 Amazon bestseller .
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Smart mug . What better way to share the warmth than with your favorite drink at just the right temperature? A good smart mug can keep your drink at your desired temperature (120 to 145°F) for up to 80 minutes on a full charge, or all day if left on the charging cradle. A quality option will set you back about $100 on Amazon , but the more affordable $19.99 option seems like a good fit.
Gourmet lovers
After all, everyone needs to eat.
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Gourmet hot sauce set. Maybe they are real spice enthusiasts; maybe they just like watching celebrities sweat it out on Hot Ones . Either way, help them add some heat to their meals with this $22.99 hot sauce kit .
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A unique sample of tea or coffee. Oh, a collection of exotic flavors that will delight their taste buds. If you know the gift recipient will have too much spice or sweets, you can play it safe while still giving them something new to try. Depending on your budget, you can choose a sleek gift-wrapped sample for $22.96 or opt for a fancier option for $47.95 .
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Artisan chocolate tasting box. After all, who doesn’t love quality chocolate? Or who doesn’t love giving someone quality chocolate? Again, your personal Secret Santa budget will determine how decadent you get. Consider the Green & Black Organic Tasting Collection for $26.40 , or perhaps the Godiva box of a fancier truffle assortment for $59.00 .
Cozy and comfortable gifts
“It’s time to get comfortable and embrace laziness.
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Multipack of Fuzzy socks. Soft, warm and always appreciated. If you’re on a budget, you can play it safe by choosing a multi-pack for just $14.99 .
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Weighted eye mask. A luxurious touch for better sleep and relaxation. I stole one from my mom last year and now I never spend a night without it. I recommend one filled with lavender, but everyone has different flavor preferences. Play it safe with a customizable sleep mask set like this one for $18.47 .
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Microwave heated slippers. The perfect cozy gift for cold days. And very tasty when heated! Just kidding. Please don’t eat them. Available for $30.99 .
Creative finds
Give them something you know they won’t get themselves.
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Tabletop terrarium for plants. A mini garden for a plant lover or office worker. Buy Cool Geometric Glass for $39.86 .
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Indecent card games for adults. Think of Cards Against Humanity or any other similar party game that encourages players to relax and feel funny. I recommend We’re Not Total Strangers to really make connecting with acquaintances and close friends easier. Prompts include: “What part of your life is working,” “What part of your life is hurting,” and even just “admit something.” Available for $24.99 .
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Scratch adventure poster. A fun way to track and plan future experiences. Shop the ones that focus on national parks, date ideas, or even “things to do with dad.” All reasonably priced at around $22 .
Self-care indulgences
Help them treat themselves to a little luxury.
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Essential oil diffuser. A compact way to bring calm and aromatherapy anywhere. You can purchase the diffuser itself for around $20, but a smart move would be to bundle it with premium essential oils for $29.99 .
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An unusual set of face masks. A skincare-worthy experience that feels like a day at the spa. Everyone has done a sheet mask before, but I highly recommend you try a real clay mask. This 4-in-1 set is available for just $14.99 .
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Stress relief toys . Cute and functional stress relief devices. Don’t forget to share a knowing look with your tired colleagues on this matter. This fidget toy for adults costs $24.99 , while the much sillier “calm llama” is $13.99 .
Additional Tips for Secret Santa Success
The advantage of Secret Santa over White Elephant is the ability to obtain information about your target. So be sure to consider the interests and personality of the gift recipient. Do your research by asking mutual friends about their interests, monitor their social media for clues, and of course, lie to the recipient about who you are with so you can throw them off the scent.
Remember, presentation matters: a little creative flair goes a long way. Another budget-friendly bonus: Most of these gifts are under $25, giving you wiggle room for a cute card or a little extra extra. Lifehacker’s Steve Johnson says he comes with a lottery ticket – who knows, maybe he’ll win!
Ultimately, the best gifts show how much you’ve invested in the person, not how much money you’ve spent. (And, hey, no matter how confident you are in your gift-giving abilities, always include a gift receipt.)
Happy gifting, and may your Secret Santa messaging be filled with joy, laughter and no awkward moments.